A water bomber tries to extinguish fire from a wildfire that caused evacuations near Bayers Lake at the edge of Halifax, Nova Scotia on Tuesday.Ingrid Bulmer/Reuters
Wildfires from coast to coast have forced new evacuations this week and put several other communities on high alert as they send smoke into communities across Canada and, last week, into the United States, including New York City.
There are more than 420 active wildfires burning and 95 are considered out of control as of last week, prompting about 13 air quality alerts and advisories in four provinces and one territory on Wednesday.
Smoke from out-of-control wildfires in Newfoundland is posing a very high risk to health in St. John’s, while other cities at a moderate to low risk from other fires include Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Winnipeg, Regina and Saskatoon.
What are the health risks of wildfire smoke? How to protect your lungs from poor air quality
“Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour,” Environment Canada says, noting that it also depends on proximity to fires, fire activity and the direction and speed of the wind.
Here’s a map of the wildfire smoke and a look at the air quality warnings and advisories in place across Canada.
British Columbia
Smoke is posing a low risk to health across most of the province, but air quality warnings cover most of Vancouver Island and from Sunshine Coast to Powell River.
Find more information on B.C. air quality warnings and advisories here and the Air Quality Health Index in local communities here.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Wildfires have forced an estimated 3,000 people to evacuate their homes since last week, with the Kingston fire northwest of St. John’s having grown to around 5,200 hectares and coming close to the city of Kingston.
Smoke from wildfires in the province is causing poor air quality in and around St. John’s and Grand Falls-Windsor, posing a high risk to health. Air quality warnings also cover the northern Avalon Peninsula and Grand Falls-Windsor.
How Newfoundland and Labrador turned into a hot spot for wildfires
Find more information on Newfoundland and Labrador air quality warnings and advisories and forecasts here and the Air Quality Health Index in local communities here.
Smoke from a nearby wildfire is visible from Signal Hill in St. John’s on Monday.Sarah Smellie/The Canadian Press
Northwest Territories
Smoke is posing a very high risk to health in Yellowknife. Air quality warnings cover Yellowknife and surrounding areas as well as North Slave Region including Wekweeti, Whati and Behchoko.
Find more information on N.W.T. air quality warnings and advisories and forecasts here and the Air Quality Health Index in local communities here.
New Brunswick
Smoke is posing a high risk to health in Moncton and Miramichi and low risk in Fredericton, Saint John and Saint Andrews. Air quality warnings cover parts of the southeast province, including Moncton, Miramichi and surrounding areas.
Find more information on New Brunswick air quality warnings and advisories and forecasts here and the Air Quality Health Index in local communities here.
Nova Scotia
A wildfire burning in the Bayers Lake area on the western outskirts of Halifax continues to burn out of control.
Smoke is posing a high risk to health in Halifax and surrounding areas, where air quality warnings are also in effect. An air quality advisory is also in effect in Annapolis county.
Find more information on Nova Scotia air quality warnings and advisories and forecasts here and the Air Quality Health Index in local communities here.
Smoke rises from a wildfire that caused evacuations near Bayers Lake at the edge of Halifax on Tuesday.Ingrid Bulmer/Reuters
What is the Air Quality Health Index and what does each rating mean?
The Air Quality Health Index is a scale from one to 10+ that Environment Canada uses to communicate the risks of different air qualities to Canadians and their health. The higher the number, the greater the risk, especially to vulnerable populations such as seniors, children, pregnant people and those with respiratory conditions.
The four designations are: Low health risk (AQHI 1-3), moderate (4-6), high (7-10) and very high (10+).
Environment Canada suggests people check the Air Quality Health Index daily to determine how much time to spend outside.
The Canadian Press
What activities should you avoid when under an air quality warning or advisory?
Wildfire smoke poses health risks and certain air quality conditions may require you to reschedule or refrain from outdoor activities until the air quality improves.
“During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status,” says Environment Canada’s website.
The Air Quality Health Index in your area may be used to figure out what activities are safe for you, according to Environment Canada.
- Low risk (AQHI of 1-3): Outdoor activities can be enjoyed as usual.
- Moderate risk (AQHI of 4-6): No need to modify outdoor activities for the general population, unless you experience symptoms like coughing or throat irritation. At-risk populations should consider reducing or rescheduling activities if experiencing symptoms.
- High (AQHI of 7-10): Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities if you experience symptoms and at-risk populations should take it easy.
- Very high risk (AQHI of 10 or higher): Reduce or reschedule outdoor exercise or strenuous activity and avoid outdoor physical exertion for at-risk populations.